Future of Torquay caravan park hangs in balance as plans revealed
Tourist park versus parkland: Fraser Coast residents have a month to help decide the fate of Torquay's beloved beachfront caravan site. VOTE IN OUR POLL
A Fraser Coast councillor has jumped into a controversial caravan park debate as the future of the popular tourist site hangs in the balance.
Work was paused on the $22m worth of revamps at the Pialba and Torquay caravan parks in October in favour of a consultation process where councillors and the community were asked to look at new possibilities.
While work on redeveloping Pialba Caravan Park is going ahead, the future of Torquay remains up in the air.
The council is developing concept plans at a cost of up to $50,000 for the Torquay site and seeking community feedback on its future.
At February’s council meeting, Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott suggested the council forego further community consultation on the issue, citing the overwhelming public support for keeping both the Pialba and Torquay caravan parks open.
Speaking to this publication on Monday, Mr Truscott said he still believed the community was in favour of keeping the caravan park, making it clear that was his personal view and not those of the council.
(Note voting in the Chronicle’s poll will not count towards the council’s consultation - find out how to have your say below).
“I’ve always been of the opinion that we should not remove an income producing asset, such as the caravan park, especially one that is so appreciated by our community and guests,” he said.
“Out of the many kilometres along the Esplanade, there are other suitable areas that I believe could be considered if an additional park or recreation space was necessary.
“In my opinion, the Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park should remain and be upgraded as was previously intended. Since this conversation first began, with respect, not one person outside of the council chamber has told me they want to see the caravan park removed or said they felt we need another playground or more open space.
“There’s also another idea that hasn’t been mentioned in the current engagement process, that if the community feels more playgrounds are needed, council could look at building a new, well-designed playground at one of the existing open spaces along the Esplanade.
“The survey includes opportunities to write your own thoughts in some of the questions, for example, where it asks if you have any concerns about the caravan park, open space, or playground options.
“However, there isn’t a free text box at the end of the survey, so make sure you include your full thoughts and suggestions within those questions asked. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to log in or create an account to complete the survey, anyone can take part.
“I strongly encourage everyone with a view on the matter to share their thoughts through the official consultation survey process.
“This is the official process that will make part of the report that is put to all councillors to make a decision on. If you have shared thoughts previously or signed a petition, I ask that you please use a few minutes to complete the survey.
“I’ll be waiting to see the results of the survey process before making any final determination.”
A statement from the Fraser Coast council said from Monday, October 13 until November 10, residents could provide feedback on three options for the site currently occupied by the Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park, including maintaining and upgrading the existing caravan park, creating a new open space or developing a larger park and playground with recreation areas and event facilities for the wider community.
Council chief executive Ken Diehm said now was the time for the community to help shape how the foreshore would be used and enjoyed for decades to come.
“This is an important site on the Hervey Bay foreshore, and council wants to ensure any future decision is guided by informed community views,” Mr Diehm said.
“No decision has been made. This is a genuine opportunity to explore the possibilities and understand what the community values most.
“While council recognises the strong community interest in this issue, including petitions and social media discussions, the feedback that will form the core of the consultation report will come through the official survey and in-person community sessions.
“These formal channels are the most effective way to ensure community views are captured fairly, consistently and in a way that can be properly analysed.”
Concept layout plans have been developed for the open space and recreational hub options and are available to view on Council’s Fraser Coast Engagement Hub website, along with detailed information on each of the three options and a link to the survey.
Community feedback gathered through this process will be compiled and presented to council to help inform future decision-making.
To have your say, click here.
